Zone 3: Plant in spring to avoid winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; fertilize in spring with balanced fertilizer; water during dry spells; may be marginally hardy in this zone.

Zones 4-5: Plant in spring to avoid winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; fertilize in spring with balanced fertilizer; water during dry spells.

Zone 6: Plant in early spring or early fall; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; fertilize in spring with balanced fertilizer; water during dry spells.

Zones 7-8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; fertilize in spring with balanced fertilizer; water during dry spells.

Lemon Thyme

Thymus pulegioides--Lemon Thyme

lemon thyme has lemon scented leaves for cooking

The lemon-scented leaves of the Lemon Thyme can be used for cooking.

The lemon-scented leaves of the Lemon Thyme can be used for cooking.

Evergreen perennial with bright pink flowers in summer

Lemon-scented leaves can be used for cooking

Plant in full sun

Plant in coarse, sharply drained soil

Height: 8-12 inches

Width: 8-12 inches

Hardy in zones 5-9

Zones 5-9: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; lightly mulch in fall.

Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine

Ipomoea batatas 'Autumn Medley'--Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine

ornamental sweet potato vine is bold trailing vine

The Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine can be planted in full sunlight because it tolerates heat.

The Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine can be planted in full sunlight because it tolerates heat.

Vigorous trailing vine grown for its bold heart-shaped foliage

Usually grown as an annual in all zones

Plant in moist, but well-drained soil; water when dry

Tolerates heat

Plant in full sun

Height: 6 inches

Length: to 48 inches or more

Annual in USDA zones 2-9

Hardy in USDA zones 10-11

Zones 2-9: Plant in spring after danger of frost has passed; fertilize with water-based fertilizer twice monthly during growing season; cut back foliage and dig tubers for indoors before frost or discard plants after killing frost.

Zones 10-11: Plant in spring; mulch in fall; prune away old foliage in early spring; fertilize twice monthly during spring and summer.

Festival Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii 'Festival Light Mix'--Festival Gerbera Daisy

festival gerbera daisy has large colorful blooms

The Festival Gerbera Daisy is susceptible to root rot.

The Festival Gerbera Daisy is susceptible to root rot.

Tender perennial grown as an annual for its large 3-5 inch daisy-like double flowers in a variety of colors